Those back-to-back experiences confirmed what I already knew: That I was a shitty-ass employee and I'd better start my own business.

Know your stuff. Have an angle. Know how to grow business, how to develop products, have patents and an undeveloped market that could be huge.

Work like there is someone working twenty-four hours a day to take it all away from you.

We all have a history of digital texts, posts, messages, reposts/tweets that are sitting out there and can be used by anyone for any reason.

Forget about finding your passion. Instead, focus on finding big problems.

The one thing in life you can control is your effort. Are there any shortcuts in the beauty business? No. That was the first lesson I learned. You can't just rocket to the top.

It's not about money or connections. It's the willingness to outwork and outlearn everyone.